A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Utrecht vs. Howth for Nightlife, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Utrecht or Howth?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Utrecht or Howth? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Utrecht

The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Howth

Howth is a peaceful, coastal, and beautiful fishing village. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Utrecht and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Utrecht or Howth?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Utrecht. Although Utrecht and Howth are popular destinations, Utrecht has more sights and attractions for tourists. Utrecht is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Howth attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Utrecht is famous for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town. It is also well known for the Dom Tower. Howth is famous for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin.

How is Utrecht different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Howth and Utrecht. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Utrecht or Howth?

Both Utrecht and Howth have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Utrecht is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Dom Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral is a highlight of the city, but you'll also find smaller, more local museums and several beautiful churches. If you're up for heading out of town, you can visit De Haar Castle, which is most accessible if you have a private vehicle.

Howth offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

Is the Food Better in Utrecht or Howth? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Utrecht and Howth both to be nice destinations.

Utrecht offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of interesting international restaurants around town including Greek, Italian, and Spanish tapas. It's particularly fun to dine canal-side and sip wine as the boats pass by.

Howth has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Utrecht or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Utrecht is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Utrecht is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The student population keeps the nightlife scene fun and lively. There are plenty of bars in the old town and you'll find tourists and locals hanging out at the same spots.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Utrecht or Howth Better for Beaches?

Howth is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Utrecht is not a beach destination.

Howth is considered a top beach destination. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Utrecht is not a beach destination.

Is Utrecht or Howth Better for its Old Town?

Utrecht is an amazing to visit for its old town. However, Howth does not have a historic old town.

Utrecht offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is large, charming, and filled with locals. There are canals that that see a frequent stream of boats and kayakers. There are also historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The city is unique because many cafes offer seating directly next to the canals.

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is Utrecht or Howth Better for Hiking?

Howth is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Utrecht is not a hiking destination.

Howth is a popular spot for hiking. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Utrecht is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Utrecht or Howth?

Utrecht is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Utrecht is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find both local shops and European chains throughout the old town. There's also a large mall right next to the main tourist area.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Utrecht or Howth Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Utrecht or Howth.

Utrecht is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few museums around town that are fun for kids. Make sure you check out the Miffy Museum, which is great for younger kids. The Museum Speelklok is fun for kids and adults alike. Families will also enjoy renting bikes for the day or taking a canal boat tour. Also make sure you try some local pancakes.

Howth is a family-friendly . It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Utrecht or Howth Better for Couples?

Utrecht is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Utrecht frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming old town and cozy cafes make for a wonderful date day. You can take a canal boat tour, sip coffee at a cafe by a canal, or explore the city as it lights up at night.

Howth is a good for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Utrecht or Howth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Utrecht is well known for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Utrecht is a great to visit for backpackers. It's a university city with a young population and plenty to do in the evening. There are also a decent number of hostels to choose from and a lively atmosphere with fun activities and festivals.

Howth is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It a small village outside of Dublin so most backpackers don't make it this way.

Is Utrecht or Howth Better for Students?

Utrecht is well known for students. However, Howth is not popular with students.

Utrecht is a very popular for students and younger travelers. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

Howth is not popular with students.

Is Utrecht or Howth Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Utrecht is well known for its public transit. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Utrecht can get you to some places easily. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

While Howth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is Utrecht or Howth a more walkable city?

Utrecht is an amazing to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Utrecht on foot is easy. The old town is easy to explore on foot, but don't walk in a bike lane or you'll likely receive a firm scolding from a local. Utrecht is regularly ranked as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities.

Howth is a very walkable destination. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

For even more information, also check out Is Utrecht Worth Visiting? and Is Howth Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Howth or Utrecht?

How long in Utrecht or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Utrecht or Howth to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Utrecht than Howth because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Utrecht, and 1-2 days is enough time in Howth.

Families should spend more time in Utrecht than Howth. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Utrecht, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Utrecht than Howth. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Utrecht that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Utrecht than Howth if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Utrecht.

One day in Utrecht or Howth?

In Utrecht, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Howth, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This fishing village offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Utrecht or Howth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Utrecht. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Howth, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Howth has to offer.

Five days in Utrecht or Howth?

Utrecht is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Utrecht. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Howth is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Utrecht or Howth?

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint destination of Utrecht. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Howth. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Howth. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands, The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Utrecht and Howth, we can see that Utrecht is more expensive. And not only is Howth much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Howth would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Howth and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Utrecht would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Utrecht than you might in Howth.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Utrecht Expensive? and Is Howth Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Utrecht or Howth?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Utrecht or Howth in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Utrecht and Howth. The summer months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Howth this time of year.

In the summer, Utrecht is around the same temperature as Howth. Typically, the summer temperatures in Utrecht in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Howth averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Utrecht usually receives more sunshine than Howth during summer. Utrecht gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Utrecht usually receives more rain than Howth. Utrecht gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Howth receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Utrecht or Howth in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Utrecht as well as Howth. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Utrecht this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Howth for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Utrecht is generally around the same temperature as Howth. Daily temperatures in Utrecht average around 11°C (51°F), and Howth fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Utrecht often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Howth. Utrecht gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 97 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Howth. Utrecht gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Utrecht or Howth in the Winter?

Both Howth and Utrecht are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Utrecht for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Howth in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Utrecht. Utrecht is much colder than Howth in the winter. The daily temperature in Utrecht averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Howth fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Howth during winter. Utrecht gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Utrecht usually receives around the same amount of rain as Howth. Utrecht gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Utrecht or Howth in the Spring?

Both Howth and Utrecht during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Utrecht in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Howth for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Utrecht is cooler than Howth. Typically, the spring temperatures in Utrecht in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Howth averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Utrecht often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Howth. Utrecht gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 157 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Howth. Utrecht gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Howth receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Howth and Utrecht